Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston, MA Dr. Carl Novina To identify genes controlling effectors and regulators of mammalian microRNA, which silence genes and are often dysregulated in cancer. These studies may accelerate the development of microRNA-based therapeutics. Princeton University Princeton, NJ Dr. Coleen Murphy To identify the genes critical for the maintenance of higher neuronal activities, in particular learning and memory, during aging. This work may eventually lead to the development of treatments and preventions for age-related memory decline and neurodegeneration. Stanford University Palo Alto, CA Joanna Wysocka To understand how certain chemical modifications of chromatin, the complex of DNA and proteins that makes up chromosomes, play a role in regulating cell fate determination. This work could lead to understanding of epigenetic component of disease and improve the therapeutic potential of stem cells. University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA Dr. Britt Glaunsinger To understand how cellular gene expression is regulated by studying how the human herpesviruses interface with cellular RNA processing, bypassing normal cellular quality control machinery and enhancing their own replication. This work will elucidate how herpesviruses cause cancer, leading to potentially new therapeutics. Whitehead Institute Cambridge, MA Dr. Peter Reddien To identify the genetic mechanisms of regeneration in planarians, leading to information about the regulation and function of stem cells in cell replacement and tissue repair.